Chapter 29: Discussion

“Li Qiang, don’t ask any more questions,” He Chengyang suddenly interrupted Li Qiang.

His tone was serious, carrying a clear warning.

“Cheng Yu says he’s fine, so he’s fine. As for your sister… this matter is related to your sister.”

He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, “Cheng Yu was injured on a mission, and your sister saved him.”

He Chengyang’s voice was deep and powerful, each word like a hammer blow to Li Qiang’s heart.

He Chengyang’s words were like a heavy hammer blow, striking Li Qiang’s heart hard, instantly turning his suspicion of Li Yaqin into shock.

He had just suspected that Li Yaqin had gotten into some trouble outside, forcing Zhao Cheng Yu to cover for her.

But now, He Chengyang was saying that Li Yaqin saved Zhao Cheng Yu?

This… how could this be?

How could Li Yaqin, a girl from the countryside, have had the opportunity to save Zhao Cheng Yu?

His mind went blank, as if something had exploded.

Zhao Chengyu's identity, though seemingly that of a regimental commander, was that of a special forces regimental commander, bearing a unique mission.

Moreover, Zhao Chengyu's family background was illustrious; he was a third-generation revolutionary, his father and grandfather having rendered outstanding service to the country.

His grandfather was a founding general, possessing immense prestige and influence within the military.

Zhao Chengyu was absolutely one of the most untouchable figures in the military region; many wanted to curry favor but couldn't find a way to do so.

Normally, Zhao Chengyu always wore a cold expression, aloof and unapproachable.

Even though everyone knew he was a powerful figure, no one could truly strike up a conversation, let alone gain his favor.

His own sister had actually saved him?

This sudden news made Li Qiang even more certain.

Li Yaqin must have done something significant, something that even Zhao Chengyu had to conceal for her.

This seemingly well-behaved and sensible younger sister actually possessed such abilities that even someone like Zhao Chengyu treated her with such respect!

Li Qiang took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent emotions.

He felt a mix of worry about Li Yaqin potentially causing trouble, shock that she had saved Zhao Chengyu, and a faint sense of anticipation.

If Li Yaqin had indeed established a relationship with Zhao Chengyu because of this, it would undoubtedly be fantastic news for him.

But more than anything, he felt doubt and confusion.

Now was not the time for elation, even if it meant he could use this opportunity to advance his career in the military.

His sister had saved Commander Zhao, and as her older brother, he would naturally benefit, even if it was just gaining some priority in future mission assignments.

Or perhaps being assigned to less dangerous areas during missions.

These were unseen but tangible advantages, enough to make his path in the military smoother.

He needed to calm down; now was not the time for idle thoughts. Finding out the truth was the top priority.

Suppressing his emotions, he said to Political Commissar Li in a deep voice, "Commissar, I understand."

His tone was firm, clearly stating his position.

Li Qiang felt a burning desire within him; he longed to rush home, drag Li Yaqin out, and interrogate her thoroughly until he got to the bottom of things.

Li Qiang secretly resolved to get to the bottom of this.

What happened to Zhao Chengyu's injuries?

How did Li Yaqin save him?

Why hadn't Li Yaqin mentioned it before?

These questions swirled in his mind like a tangled mess.

He had to find out what Li Yaqin was hiding and what she had done to warrant Zhao Chengyu's protectiveness of her.

Judging from Zhao Chengyu's expression, he didn't blame his sister.

Zhao Chengyu's status and position were unshakeable; he had to be extremely careful and avoid any mistakes.

He still needed Zhao Chengyu to secure his position in the military region, to realize his ambitions, and to provide a better life for his family.

Moreover, he keenly sensed that Zhao Chengyu seemed to harbor a special affection for Li Yaqin—an affection that...

Beyond gratitude, a sense of unease and uncertainty settled over him.

He Chengyang looked at Zhao Chengyu, his eyes filled with inquiry and worry. He too was trying to guess what had happened between Zhao Chengyu and Li Yaqin.

He Chengyang's eyes were sharp as an eagle's, fixed on Li Qiang, as if trying to glean a glimpse of his true emotions from the subtle changes in his expression.

"Are you really just going to let this go?" He Chengyang's tone carried a hint of doubt. "That girl, Li Yaqin, is no simpleton."

He leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, producing a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound that intensified the tense atmosphere in the office.

Zhao Chengyu slowly set down his teacup, the bottom striking the mahogany table with a crisp sound that broke the suffocating silence.

A subtle, meaningful smile played on his lips, his eyes unfathomable, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

"Political Commissar, rest assured, I know what I'm doing." Zhao Chengyu's voice was deep and calm, as if everything was under control.

He Chengyang, sitting beside him, narrowed his eyes, carefully observing Li Qiang's reaction.

He keenly sensed that the sibling relationship between Li Qiang and Li Yaqin wasn't as simple as it appeared; instead, it carried a hint of estrangement and distance.

In that case, it wouldn't be good to give this favor to Li Qiang.

Li Qiang would never imagine that a few facial expressions would cause him to lose something.

He Chengyang pondered inwardly, a shrewd glint in his eyes.

He paused, turning his gaze to Zhao Chengyu, awaiting his next instruction.

Zhao Chengyu nodded slightly, indicating that He Chengyang could continue.

He spoke, his voice deep, with the decisiveness and crispness characteristic of a soldier, getting straight to the point.

“Li Qiang, I was injured before, and it was your sister, Li Yaqin, who saved me.”

Li Qiang froze, his body stiffening slightly, as if frozen in place.

His straight back betrayed a hint of tension and unease; he clearly hadn't expected this opening.

He hadn't anticipated that Zhao Chengyu would specifically seek him out for a talk about Li Yaqin, which left him both surprised and uneasy.

Zhao Chengyu's gaze fell on Li Qiang, as if examining a precious object, or assessing the value of a soldier.

He spoke slowly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "I was injured before, and it was your sister, Li Yaqin, who saved me."

These words exploded in Li Qiang's mind like a bombshell, instantly widening his eyes in disbelief.

"I investigated her situation and learned the whole story," Zhao Chengyu continued, a hint of admiration in his voice.

He recounted in detail how Li Yaqin discovered his injury, how she provided basic first aid, and how she took him to the hospital.

Li Qiang stood silently, motionless, like a statue.

Since Zhao Chengyu said this, there must be a reason. He had to remain calm and listen carefully.

"I understand now why she only gave him half-hearted treatment," Zhao Chengyu's voice echoed in the empty office, tinged with helplessness and regret.

He explained why Li Yaqin hesitated to fully treat him for fear of being scolded by her family.

"We haven't fully investigated why Li Yaqin suddenly came to the military region, but we can guess a few things."

Zhao Chengyu paused, observing Li Qiang's reaction.

"A girl like her suddenly leaving home must have a reason. Considering her family situation... you should know better than I do."

He didn't directly point out the affair between Li Dayong and Li Yuehua, but used a suggestive tone, letting Li Qiang think about it himself.

He hadn't expected Zhao Chengyu to know even these old stories so thoroughly, which shocked and terrified him.

If these things were exposed, they would bring him enormous trouble, possibly even affecting his future.

Li Qiang recalled that after Li Yaqin came to the military region, she was well-behaved, either doing housework, going into the mountains to dig for wild vegetables, or gathering firewood.

Her life was completely transparent, with no suspicious points.